Gayle, meanwhile, netted six Premier League goals for Newcastle last season, a year after scoring 23 times for the club in the Championship. The Venezuelan striker also keeps his place as the only player from his nation now in the Premier League.

Speaking to reporters (via the Evening Chronicle) after Newcastle's poor 4-0 friendly defeat to Braga, Benitez told of his frustrations at the club heading into the new campaign.

While not explicitly negative about owner Ashley, Benitez's comments have widely been interpreted as a message to the Newcastle United's hierarchy. We were poor and we made too many mistakes. Ten days before the start of the season now and this is wake up call.

"Things are not going well off the pitch and you can see a reflection of that on the pitch", Benitez said on Wednesday, adding that he wanted to sign three of four players before next week's transfer deadline.

"You're a very fearless man if you go out and criticise the owners, which to be fair is what he's doing", The former England boss told talkSPORT.

Centre of defence sees only Ciaran Clark (303 minutes) get significant time on the pitch, with Jamaal Lascelles (180 minutes) next best, but Lejeune now injured and summer signing Fabian Schar only 102 minutes.

The Baggies will be looking for their first points of the season on Saturday, having lost 2-1 at home to Bolton in their opening fixture.

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